Gastric Fundoplication Research Articles

Persistent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After RYGB: What Shall we do Next?

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the weight loss procedure of choice for obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The long-term prevalence of GORD after RYGB for obesity is underestimated as many post-RYGB patients can still complain of severe reflux symptoms, refractory to medications. This is a narrative review using the patient, intervention, comparison, outcome and study strategy. The literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases with the following MeSH terms: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GORD, Obesity, Gastric bypass, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, complication, and fundoplication. Twelve original papers and case report studies on 57 patients who met the inclusion criteria were suitable for the present review. Reporting styles on successful treatment outcomes were heterogeneous. Treatment options for these patients are limited but include further surgical or endoscopic interventions. Careful follow-up and appropriate management are paramount for this population. There is significant paucity in the available evidence on managing GORD after RYGB. This narrative review provides a detailed overview of the underlying causes, discusses the various endoscopic and surgical therapy options, and suggests strategies to provide tailored and appropriate therapy for this complex group of patients.

Medical and social factors associated with prolonged length of stay for chronically ventilated children.

This study seeks to determine the overall and post-intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) for children with tracheostomies and chronic mechanical ventilation. We hypothesized that medical and social factors would be associated with prolonged LOS. This single-center retrospective review included children who were discharged after initiation of chronic ventilation via tracheostomy over an 8-year period (2015-2022). Patients were divided into two groups for analysis, those who had been previously home before admission (HBA) and those who had not (Not HBA). Medical and social determinants of health (SDOH) data were obtained from the electronic medical record for univariate and multivariable analyses. A total of 161 patients were included. HBA subjects (n = 52) were expectedly older at the time of tracheostomy. Not HBA subjects (n = 109) were more likely to be born prematurely and have sequelae of premature birth. Overall and post-ICU LOS increased for both groups during the study period. In the HBA subgroup, congenital heart disease and younger age were associated with longer overall LOS with these factors and the absence of gastric fundoplication being associated with longer post-ICU LOS. For Not HBA patients, younger age, pulmonary hypertension, seizures, and several SDOH were associated with longer overall LOS, whereas only SDOH were associated with a longer post-ICU LOS. Overall and post-ICU LOS for all children hospitalized for tracheostomy and chronic mechanical ventilation are increasing. Prolonged LOS is significantly associated with several medical factors and SDOH.

Automated task-level autonomy assessment in robotic surgery.

Surgical autonomy for trainees has remained elusive to quantify. Proportion of active control time (ACT) of a trainee during a robotic case can be used as a broad measure of autonomy. However, this metric lacks in the granular detail of quantifying at what specific steps trainees were actively participating. We aim to quantify trainee involvement during robotic-assisted hiatal hernia repair at a task-specific level. We performed a retrospective review of surgical performance data from robotic-assisted hiatal hernia repairs performed. These cases were segmented into 5 tasks by AI-assisted annotation with human review. The segmented tasks included: hiatal dissection, gastric fundus mobilization, mediastinal dissection, cruroplasty and fundoplication. Tasks were excluded if video segmentation of tasks was incorrect. During each task, ACT was recorded for resident, fellow and attending. Resident and fellow ACT per task was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Residents had the highest %ACT in the hiatal dissection (53%), gastric fundus mobilization (84%) and fundoplication (57%) tasks. Fellows had greater than 80% ACT in all 5 tasks, with the highest %ACT in the gastric fundus mobilization (100%) and hiatal dissection (88%). There was a significant difference between resident and fellow ACT during mediastinal dissection and cruroplasty. This study demonstrates how objective performance metrics and automated case segmentation can quantify trainee participation at a task-specific level. By utilizing data afforded by a robotic surgery platform, we are able to provide an objective and automated form of assessment with minimal impact on the workflow of attendings and residents. Our findings can serve to inform residents on what steps they can expect to be involved in during the procedure, appropriate to their PGY level. With this task-level data, we can provide a roadmap for trainee progression to achieve full surgical autonomy.

Timeline of diagnosed pain causes in children with severe neurological impairment.

Pain's causes in children with severe cognitive impairment may be challenging to diagnose. This study aimed to investigate if there is a relationship between pain causes and the age of children. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in three Italian Pediatric Units. Eligible subjects were patients from 1 to 18 years with severe neurological impairment. We collected data regarding diagnoses, pain causes and medical or surgical procedures. The timing of pain episodes was categorized into age-related periods: infants and toddlers (0-24 months), preschool children (3-5 years), schoolchildren (6-12 years), and adolescents (13-17 years). Eighty children with severe neurological impairment were enrolled. The mean age was 11 years (±5.8). Gastroenterological pain was most common in the first years of life (p = 0.004), while orthopaedic and tooth pain was the most typical in schoolchildren and adolescents (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02). Concerning surgical procedures, PEG placement and gastric fundoplication were significantly more common in the first 5 years of age (p = 0.03), and heart surgery was typical of infants (p = 0.04). Orthopaedic surgery was more commonly reported in older children and adolescents (p < 0.001). Some causes of pain are more frequent in children with severe neurological impairment in defined age-related periods. Specific age-related pain frequencies may help physicians in the diagnostic approach.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with obesity results in comparable outcomes

BackgroundRoux-en-Y gastric bypass and fundoplication are effective treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease, though the optimal procedure of choice in obesity is unknown. We hypothesize that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is non-inferior to fundoplication for symptomatic control of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with obesity. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained quality database. Patients with a body mass index ≥of 35 who presented for gastroesophageal reflux disease and subsequently underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or fundoplication were included. Perioperative outcomes and pH testing data were reviewed. Patient-reported outcomes included Reflux Symptom Index, Dysphagia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life, and Short Form-36 scores. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. ResultsNinety-five patients underwent fundoplication (n = 72, 75.8%) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 23, 24.2%) during the study period. All patients saw an improvement in gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and overall quality of life. There were no significant differences in postoperative Reflux Symptom Index, Dysphagia, or Short-Form–36 scores. Significant differences in gastroesophageal reflux disease-Health Related Quality of Life scores were seen at preoperative, 1, 2, and 5 years postoperative (P < .05), with better symptom control in the fundoplication group. No significant difference was noted in postoperative DeMeester scores or percent time pH <4. Weight loss was significantly higher in the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group at all postoperative time points up to 5 years (P < .05). ConclusionRoux-en-Y gastric bypass and fundoplication both decrease gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Subjective data shows that patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may complain of worse symptoms compared to patients undergoing fundoplication. Objective data notes no significant difference in postoperative pH testing. Despite previous data, offering fundoplication or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to patients with a body mass index of ≥35 kg/m2 is appropriate. The choice of surgical approach should be more directed to patient needs and desired goals at the time of the initial clinic visit.

Application of gastric plication in the treatment of obesity

Bariatric surgery, as the most effective approach to treating obesity at present, encompasses a wide array of procedures. However, due to the significant anatomical changes to the gastrointestinal tract caused by most of these procedures, they are associated with certain risks of complications. In the pursuit of minimizing trauma, bariatric surgeons have begun exploring new surgeries in addition to traditional procedures. Gastric plication surgeries encompass various procedures such as gastric fundoplication, gastric greater curvature plication, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, combined gastric fundoplication with gastric greater curvature plication, and combined gastric fundoplication with sleeve gastrectomy, among others. The efficacy and risks of complications associated with these procedures fall between those of medical therapy and sleeve gastrectomy. Gastric fundoplication, functioning as an anti-reflux procedure, can also be integrated into weight loss surgical interventions to effectively address obesity-related gastroesophageal reflux disease in obese patients. Both gastric greater curvature plication and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty yield favorable weight loss outcomes. Beyond the impact of folding procedures on body mass, gastric plication surgeries can also be combined with other techniques. The combination of gastric fundoplication with sleeve gastrectomy or greater curvature plication can reduce body mass and mitigate reflux, while the combination of greater curvature plication with gastric bypass and similar procedures can further enhance weight loss and metabolic improvements.

A synopsis of the SAGES ADOPT course for foregut surgery and its positive impact on surgeons' confidence levels.

The Acquisition of Data for Outcomes and Procedure Transfer (ADOPT) program was established by SAGES to develop and expand individual surgeon's comfort with specific, complex operations using hands-on teaching and longitudinal mentoring. The 2022-2023 Foregut (Dominating the Hiatus) section of the course focused on hiatal hernia dissection and gastric fundoplication techniques. Our aim was to describe the experience of surgeons who participated in the course. The hands-on component occurred in March 2022 at the SAGES annual meeting. Each expert mentor was matched to two participants. The mentors guided the surgeons through steps of a laparoscopic paraesophageal (PEH) hernia repair and fundoplication using a cadaveric model. Afterwards, monthly group webinars occurred and participants could receive individual coaching from their assigned mentor for a year. Each participant was given a pre-course survey with 3 and 12-month follow-up questionnaires. The majority of the 16 participants were employed in non-academic settings (87.5%). Years in practice ranged from 1 to 26, and 69% completed a fellowship. 100% completed the pre-course survey, and 53.8% responded to the 12-month post-course survey. Participant-reported effectiveness in performing a PEH hernia repair with fundoplication increased from 37.5% pre-course to 85.7% by the conclusion of the course. Confidence levels for the six core steps of the operation also increased: pre-course only 56-75% were confident with each step, this improved to 100% in four out of six steps. 85.7% said the course has changed their practice. Since inception, the ADOPT program has aimed to provide expert instruction for practicing surgeons to learn new techniques or improve their confidence in performing operations. The data for the 2022 ADOPT Foregut course shows that 1year of participation made a positive impact on these surgeons' practices. This helps to fill in the learning gap that occurs after formal surgical training ends.

Teaching Neuro Images : Wernicke encephalopathy

A 54-year-old woman with 4 months of vomiting after gastric fundoplication presented with confusion, generalized weakness, anterograde amnesia, and ophthalmoplegia. Brain MRI showed hyperintensity in the posteromedial thalami (figure, A) and periaqueductal area (figure, B). Serum thiamine was 22 nmol/L (normal 70–180 nmol/L). Supplementation resulted in rapid improvement of ophthalmoplegia but slow improvement of confusion. Anterograde amnesia persisted despite 2 weeks of supplementation.

Multi-society consensus conference and guideline on the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases in North America and globally. The aim of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the most utilized and available endoscopic and surgical treatments for GERD. Systematic literature reviews were conducted for 4 key questions regarding thesurgical and endoscopic treatments for GERD in adults: preoperative evaluation, endoscopic vs surgical or medical treatment, complete vs partial fundoplication, and treatment for obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35kg/m2) and concomitant GERD. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology by subject experts. Recommendations for future research were also proposed. The consensus provided 13 recommendations. Through the development of these evidence-based recommendations, analgorithm was proposed for aid in the treatment of GERD. Patients with typical symptoms should undergo upper endoscopy, manometry, and pH-testing; additional testing may be required for patients with atypical or extra-esophageal symptoms. Patients with normal or abnormal findings on manometry should consider undergoing partial fundoplication. Magnetic sphincter augmentation or fundoplication are appropriate surgical procedures for adults with GERD. For patients who wish to avoid surgery, the Stretta procedure and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF 2.0) were found to have better outcomes than proton pump inhibitorsalone. Patients with concomitant obesity were recommended to undergo either gastric bypass or fundoplication, although patients with severe comorbid disease or BMI > 50 should undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the additional benefits that follow weight loss. Using the recommendations an algorithm was developed by this panel, so that physicians may better counsel their patients with GERD. There are certain patient factors that have been excluded from included studies/trials, and so these recommendations should not replace surgeon-patient decision making. Engaging in the identified research areas may improve future care for GERD patients.

Thrombosis of the Porta and Superior Mesenteric Vein Secondary to Antiphospholipidic Syndrome: Case Report

Introduction: Thrombosis of the mesenteric portal vein is a rare complication of non-specific symptomatology and difficult diagnosis. Clinical Case: Male patient 57 years of age with no clinical history of importance, surgical cholecystectomy, lumbar laminectomy, gastric fundoplication, attended gastroenterology consultation for continuous colicky abdominal pain of 22 days of evolution, in paraclinics without report of leukocytosis with slight neutrophilia, COPRO + negative PMN, negative emo, normal coagulation times, CT S / C of the abdomen and pelvis which reports acute thrombosis of the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein. Wells score (0 points), Improve score (1 point: age 58 years), for which LMWH adjusted to the patient's weight plus mechanical measures were prescribed. Clinical Discussion: Contrast abdominal tomography plays an important role in the diagnosis. Conclusion: Thrombosis of the portal vein and mesenteric vein should be considered as a serious complication, with early diagnosis and anticoagulant therapy, the patient's clinical symptoms may improve rapidly.

Quality of life and gastric acid-suppression medication post-laparoscopic fundoplication: a ten years retrospective study

Background: Although medical treatment is the best approach for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), surgery has a significant role to play not only in cases of failure of medical treatment but also as in a long-term approach, specifically in young patient. On the other hand, alarming reports have been published concerning the outcomes and usefulness of antireflux surgery (ARS). The aim of this study was to evaluate medium and long-term functional outcomes following ARS performed in our institution over a 10 year period. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients in our department who underwent primary or redo laparoscopic fundoplication between 2005 and 2015. Evaluation of the outcomes was made using a validated questionnaire specifically dedicated to GERD (the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire) and by investigation about the continued use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Exclusion criteria were patients treated for GERD with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, emergency reduction of hiatal hernia, patients missing from follow-up and patients deceased from unrelated causes. Results: 296 patients out of 309 met the inclusion criteria. Primary procedures included 214 Nissen, 35 Toupet, and 23 Collis gastroplasty; there were additionally 62 redo operations. Neither postoperative mortality nor conversion was observed. The mean follow-up was 8 years post-surgery, and contact was made with 96% of the original group. 85% of the patients had stopped PPI use since their operation (86% after Nissen, 73% after Toupet, 94% after Collis and 82% after redos). 90% of the patients had good to excellent functional results as reported by their GERD-HRQL score, and independent of the type of previous procedure. 31 patients were dissatisfied due to dysphagia in 7 and GERD recurrence in 24. Again 75% were extremely satisfied and 15% satisfied. Our own incidence of redo procedures was 11% but the functional result and satisfaction index were comparable between redo and primary procedures. The addition of Collis gastroplasty in cases of real short oesophagus did not alter the final result. Conclusions: Laparoscopic ARS presents a superior alternative to lifetime medication use and can provide long-term control of GERD symptoms in the majority of patients if it is performed skillfully and in carefully evaluated patients. Based on the present study, we believed that significant improvement in GERD health-related quality of life can be attained following both primary and reoperative ARS.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in a Patient with Previous Belsey Mark IV Fundoplication: A Case Report

Background: Historically, the management for recurrent or persistent Gastro-esophageal reflux disease included selective vagotomy and fundoplication. Despite these surgical interventions, the risk of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and subsequent malignant transformation remains, requiring cancer resection surgery. We present a case of a patient with a gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, who underwent a pediatric thoracotomy and Belsey Mark IV fundoplication, and was successfully treated by Laparoscopic Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy (LILE). Case Presentation: This 64-year-old gentleman with BE and GEJ adenocarcinoma was previously deemed unsuitable for curative surgery due to clinical staging indicating a tumor length of 10cm and suspected invasion of the left pleura. Further staging by Endoscopic ultrasound indicated no evidence of pleural invasion with the distal esophageal thickening in keeping with his previous Belsey Mark IV fundoplication. He underwent neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and a subsequent LILE with complete laparoscopic reversion of the gastric fundoplication without injury to the gastroepiploic artery or fundus. There was sufficient preservation of conduit length to enable a tension free hand-sewn anastomosis with an uneventful post-operative recovery. Final histopathology confirmed ypT1 ypN0 moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with R0 resection margins. The patient has completed 24 months of cancer recurrence free surveillance. Conclusion: We describe the successful management of a patient by LILE on a background of previous hiatal fundoplication surgery, previously refused curative surgery. We highlight the importance of EUS as a staging modality for such cases showing invasive disease to increase the final clinical staging accuracy. We suggest a minimally invasive approach may be utilized for successful re-do hiatal dissection as an alternative to a conventional open surgery.

Role of Neuromodulators for the Management of Post-Gastric-Fundoplication Dyspepsia: A Retrospective Series.

Post-fundoplication dyspepsia is a common complication of gastric fundoplication surgeries. This can be attributable to the loss of fundal relaxation, decreased gastric accommodation, and/or alterations in gastric motility and sensitivity following fundoplication. The role of neuromodulators in the management of such symptoms is unknown. We retrospectively assessed the efficacy of neuromodulators such as tricyclic antidepressants, buspirone, and mirtazapine for the management of post-fundoplication dyspepsia.

766 PROPHYLAXIS OF POST-FUNDOPLICATION SIDE EFFECTS AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC NISSEN EXTRA SOFT FUNDOPLICATION.

Abstract Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) is well-established surgical treatment of GERD with best long-term postoperative outcomes in controlling reflux. Usually it is associated with a high risk of dysphagia, flatulence, inability to belch, bloating, which appear due to total over-tight wrap around esophagus. Partial fundoplication can avoid these effects, but unfortunately does not have the same long-term postoperative reflux control. So, new approach to prophylaxis of post-fundoplication side effects during LNF is needed. Methods Modified extra-soft LNF for GERD during 2016–2020 years were proposed in 75 patients. Prior to the fundoplication wrap formation the operation was performed according to the standard procedure. The proposed surgical techniques were: performing of an extra mobilization of the stomach (mandatory fundus and more ½ part of a large curvature) by crossing the gastro-splenic ligament completely and the gastro-colonic ligament partially and formation of a short extra-soft fundoplication wrap around the esophagus less 1.5 cm in the length with no more than 3 non-absorbable sutures with obligatory fixation to the esophagus. We examined twelve months follow-up. Results Along with the disappearance of GERD symptoms, no post-fundoplication dysphagia, flatulence, inability to belch and bloating were marked in any patient. Routine application of the above-described techniques allowed us to perform a modified LNF in all 75 patients by the extra mobilization of the stomach and formation of an extra-soft total fundoplication wrap with obligatory fixation to the esophagus without mandatory use of a thick (56–60 Fr) gastric fundoplication tube. Conclusion According to our study, in comparison with standard LNF, the proposed surgical techniques is effective in the prevention of post-fundoplication complications (dysphagia, flatulence, inability to belch, bloating) and support routine use of this modified Laparoscopic Nissen Extra Soft Fundoplication in treatment of GERD.

Luminal Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Cystic Fibrosis.

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) are living longer. General age-related and CF-specific gastrointestinal symptoms are increasingly recognized. In this article, we review the latest data on luminal gastrointestinal manifestations in CF. People with CF have increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and often prescribed proton-pump inhibitors (PPI). PPI use may increase risk of pulmonary exacerbations. Evidence to support gastric fundoplication to improve pulmonary outcomes is limited. Features of intestinal dysmotility are common. There are distinct differences in the gut microbiome in the CF population which may have clinical implications. CF is a possible hereditary digestive cancer syndrome, particularly in regard to colorectal cancer (CRC) with earlier incidence of CRC and advanced colonic neoplasia. Early screening colonoscopy is warranted in the CF population. Gastrointestinal manifestations in CF are prevalent across all digestive organs. More study on the effect of interventions for symptomatic treatment and cancer screening is needed.

Migración de funduplicatura gástrica con perforación intratorácica

La cirugía antirreflujo mediante abordaje laparoscópico se considera el gold estándar para el tratamiento de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico y de la hernia de hiato. Los resultados postoperatorios presentan una morbimortalidad asociada baja y una buena satisfacción en el medio largo plazo. Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente de 53 años intervenido de funduplicatura laparoscópica tipo Nissen-Rossetti que en el duodécimo día postoperatorio presenta clínica de mediastinitis asociada a sepsis por perforación intratorácica de la funduplicatura gástrica migrada a tórax. El paciente es intervenido de forma urgente, realizándose drenaje torácico, laparotomía media supra-umbilical y cierre primaria de la perforación. El postoperatorio se caracteriza por una estancia de 23 días en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y por neumonía necrotizante, abscesos pulmonares y empiema pleural izquierdo. A 10 años del episodio, el paciente se encuentra asintomático y sin signos de recidiva clínica. Aunque la incidencia de las complicaciones tempranas en la cirugía antirreflujo es relativamente baja, es obligatorio sospechar de ellas en un paciente con sepsis por mediastinitis y cirugía reciente. Antes situaciones de extrema gravedad es necesario intervenir de forma urgente aunque la re-exploración quirúrgica del hiato es considerada una cirugía compleja y de elevado riesgo de iatrogenia.

How I do it: laparoscopic implantation of lower esophageal sphincter stimulator for the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease

: The principal medical treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. PPI lowers gastric acid secretion, but its long-term use is not free from adverse effects. However, PPI therapy has no effects on the dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and on reflux of stomach contents. Prior to the introduction of medical therapy, surgical gastric fundoplication was originally proposed in order to create a mechanical valve to prevent reflux. The postoperative results obtained after fundoplication depend on the surgical volume of the centers in which surgery is performed, and important functional sequelae, including dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome, have been reported. LES electrical stimulation therapy (EST) has been recently introduced as an alternative treatment option in the management of GERD. The rationale of this strategy is to electrically stimulate the LES in order to increase its tone and to reduce reflux. LES stimulator implantation is a feasible and safe minimally invasive technique. Data reported in the literature regarding the postoperative functional outcomes related to GERD, evaluated by 24 h-pH-manometry, and GERD specific questionnaire after the implantation of LES-EST, show significant improvement at both short and long-term follow up, up to three years after surgery. Although these data are encouraging, further prospective and randomized studies are required to draw definitive conclusions. We report the technique of laparoscopic LES stimulator surgical implantation, together with an explanatory video.

Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease secondary to a distal esophageal duplication cyst associated with a hiatal hernia

Esophageal duplication cysts are asymptomatic gastrointestinal anomalies that are infrequently seen, usually diagnosed as a secondary finding. In adults, they can be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and are usually detected with a radiologic study. We report the case of a 55-year-old woman with a 2-year history of pyrosis, regurgitation, coughing fits, and dysphagia. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was done, detecting a subepithelial lesion at the gastroesophageal junction with a type I hiatal hernia; endoscopic ultrasound and a CT scan were performed, showing a distal esophageal mass that generated a narrowing of the esophageal diameter with proximal dilation. An esophageal duplication cyst was diagnosed. Excision of the mass, hiatoplasty, and gastric fundoplication were auspiciously achieved by an abdominal transhiatal approach. A year after the procedure, the patient is asymptomatic and without complications. If a patient presents with epigastric pain and GERD-like symptoms, with no benefit from medical treatment, an esophageal duplication cyst must be a differential diagnosis. This can be confirmed with a CT scan and endoscopic ultrasound, with surgery being the best treatment for this disease

TRANSDERMAL FENTANYL PATCH FOR ACUTE PAIN CONTROL AFTER SHORT INTRAHOSPITAL STAY

Transdermal fentanyl patch (TFP) is used for alleviation of chronic pain, while scientific evidence regarding its use for acute pain is insufficient. Purpose. To compare the effects of pain control by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and TFP and the restrictions in daily activities in patients following elective minor surgical interventions. Patients and methods. Prospective, randomised, casecontrolled study included patients aged ≥18 years who underwent elective cholecystectomy, gastric fundoplication or inguinal hernia repair. All randomised patients (fentanyl prescription group, FG, and control group, CG, 62 cases each) were administered dressing plasters for the first three post-operative days; the FG patients received 50mcg/h TFP under the plaster. Within the 4 post-operative days, the patients of both groups received diclofenac on demand. Post-operative pain at rest and during movement was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th post-operative days. Daily activities using the Functional Activity Score were scored as 0 – no limitations, 1 – some limitations, 2 – severe limitations. Results. Pain both at rest and during movement on the first three post-operative days was lower in the FG; CG patients received 5 times more doses of diclofenac on demand on the 1st day after the surgery, with the higher need of NSAID during the next two days (p&lt;0.05). The total number of NSAID doses per patient administered on demand was 3.11±0.59 in the CG and 0.73±0.16 in the FG (p&lt;0.05). The influence of pain on daily activities on the 2nd post-operative day was scored as 0 by 92% patients and as 1 by 8% patients of the FG, versus 60% and 40% patients of the CG (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion. Patients with TFP experienced significantly more effective pain control leading to less restricted daily activities and used less doses of NSAID within the first few post-operative days. Plain Language Summary. Could a single long-lasting dose of transdermal fentanyl patch serve as an alternative to uncontrolled consumption of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs when dealing with early post-operative pain in patients following a hospital discharge after an elective minor surgery? Our conclusion suggests that the answer is “yes”, if the riskbenefits balance is evaluated.

Open versus laparoscopic approach to gastric fundoplication in children with cardiac risk factors

BackgroundGastric fundoplication is the most common noncardiac operation in children with congenital cardiac disease. While prior studies validated safety of laparoscopy in this population, we hypothesize that children with cardiac risk factors (CRFs) are likelier to undergo open fundoplication (OF) but experience greater morbidity than after laparoscopic fundoplication (LF). Materials and methodsUtilizing 2013 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatrics Public-Use-File, pediatric patients undergoing LF and OF were stratified to none, minor, major, or severe CRFs. Multivariate logistic regression determined preoperative variables and postoperative outcomes associated with LF or OF. ResultsA total of 1501 fundoplication patients were identified with 92% undergoing LF. OF patients were likelier to have minor (odds ratio [OR]: 2.36, P < 0.001), major (OR: 2.41, P = 0.003), and severe CRFs (OR: 4.36, P < 0.001). Children ≤ 1 y (OR: 3.38, P = 0.048) and those with tracheostomy were likelier to have OF (OR: 2.3, P = 0.006). Overall, the OF group had higher postoperative morbidity (OR: 2.41, P < 0.001). Specifically, children with minor or major CRFs experienced more complications following OF compared to LF. ConclusionsOF is more common in patients ≤1 y old; patients with minor, major, or severe CRFs; and those with tracheostomy. LF should be considered in children with minor and major CRFs, as OF in those patients results in greater pulmonary, infectious, and hematological sequelae.